Welcome Home.
The rich and diverse history of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is a source of pride for the Catholics in Southern Missouri. We hope that you too will find your spiritual home here.
WE HAVE A POPE
Habemus Papam!
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, was elected the 267th pope, the 266th successor of St. Peter and the Bishop of Rome. Most recently Cardinal Robert F. Prevost has served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis. Please join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, our new Holy Father.
Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass will be held on May 18th.

2025 Diocesan Development Fund

Consider joining Bishop Rice’s mission for the diocese by contributing to the annual Diocesan Development Fund.
GET INVOLVED
Diocesan Events
Mass of Thanksgiving for Our New Holy Father
Mass of Thanksgiving for Our New Holy Father
Join Bishop Edward Rice as he celebrates a Mass of Thanksgiving for the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV at St. Mary of the Annunciation Cathedral. Reception to follow.
Annual Memorial Day Mass-Springfield
Annual Memorial Day Mass-Springfield
Memorial Day is a special day set aside to remember our dearly departed brothers and sisters, especially those who have died serving our country in the cause of freedom. Please
First Friday Mass for Vocations
First Friday Mass for Vocations
Join Bishop Rice on Friday, June 6, 5:30 p.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of
Totus Tuus 2025
Totus Tuus 2025
Totus Tuus schedule and locations are as follows: June 8-13—Portageville & West Plains-Registration form/brochure available: Portageville West Plains June 15-20—New Hamburg & Mountain Grove-Registration form/brochure available: New Hamburg Mountain Gro...
Reclaim the Romance: marriage enrichment
Reclaim the Romance: marriage enrichment
Has the busyness of life pulled you and your spouse in different directions? It is time to reconnect. The Diocesan Office of Family Life is collaborating with Worldwide Marriage Encounter
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 1
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 1
Save the Date: June 9-13, 2025
Come and See—Queen of Heaven Solitude, Marionville, MO
Come and See—Queen of Heaven Solitude, Marionville, MO
You are invited to spend a day with the Society of our Mother of Peace, an Eremitical and Monastic Community, located in Marionville, MO, on Sat., June 14, 9:30 a.m.-5:30
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 2
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 2
Save the Date: June 23-27, 2025
National Celebrate Life Weekend 2025
National Celebrate Life Weekend 2025
National Celebrate Life Weekend 2025 As a founding member of the annual Celebrate Life Weekend, Vitae foundation is so excited to be attending this year’s event in Washington, D.C. on
First Friday Mass for Vocations
First Friday Mass for Vocations
Join Bishop Rice on Friday, July 4, 9 a.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 3
Camp Re-NEW-All: Fredericktown, Week 3
Save the Date: July 7-11, 2025
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 1
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 1
Save the Date: July 7-11, 2025
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 1
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 1
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 2
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 2
Save the Date: July 14-18, 2025
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 2
Steubenville STL Mid-America: Week 2
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 3
Camp Re-NEW-All: Conway, Week 3
Save the Date: July 21-25, 2025
First Friday Mass for Vocations
First Friday Mass for Vocations
Join Bishop Rice on Friday, August 1, 5:30 p.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER
Rediscover the spark that was there on your wedding day! Rediscover the best friend you had when you were first married! Join the millions of couples worldwide who have learned
First Friday Mass for Vocations
First Friday Mass for Vocations
Join Bishop Rice on Friday, October 3, 5:15 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of
First Friday Mass for Vocations
First Friday Mass for Vocations
Join Bishop Rice on Friday, November 7, 5:30 p.m. at St. Agnes Cathedral to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
First Friday Mass for Vocations
First Friday Mass for Vocations
Join Bishop Rice on Friday, December 5, 12: 15 p.m. at O’Reilly Catholic Student Center to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the

REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS
The Life & Legacy of Pope Francis
Join us as we continue to pray for the repose of Pope Francis’ soul. May God grant him eternal rest.
CURRENT NEWS
Diocesan News
Find the information you need on diocesan campaigns, initiatives, and events.
Looking for more details about a conference within the diocese? Special events and Masses to celebrate with Bishop Rice? Upcoming camps within the diocese? National initiatives to be aware of?
This is the place to see what’s happening in our One Church, East to West!
U.S. Bishops Welcome Pope Leo XIV
May 8, 2025 WASHINGTON – Upon the news that the Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has been elected as the 267th...
Bishop Rice’s Statement – Pope Leo XIV, Our New Holy Father
by The Most Rev. Edward M Rice Since the funeral of Pope Francis, on April 26, I have been alternating between the Mass prayers of...
Chicago native Cardinal Prevost elected pope, takes name Leo XIV
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, the Chicago-born prefect of the Dicastery...

BISHOP EDWARD M. RICE
Jesus Christ
LIVES!
And from that belief flows joy, peace, and happiness for believers. The resurrection of Christ gives meaning to our human existence beyond the grave.
The roots of Catholicism run deep here in the 39 counties of southern Missouri, and I am grateful to partner with my brother priests in spreading the beauty of our Catholic Faith in the spirit of the New Evangelization. I rely on the loving Providence of God to assist me as I strive to walk in the way of Christ, the Good Shepherd, who will continue to guide my way if I but seek to do His will.
I ask for the intercession of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and Pope St. Pius X, patrons of our Diocese, all under the mantle of Our Lady of Mercy. Pray for us!
ARTICLES & COLUMNS
Where Faith & Daily Life Intersect
Looking for positive, life-affirming stories? Want a source for prayer, devotion ideas, or living your Catholic faith? Interested in what others are saying about raising a Catholic family? This is your source.
The Chrism Mass is One of Many Highlights of Holy Week
The focus of the homily I presented during the 2025 Chrism Masses in the diocese surrounded the first petition I encountered...
Easter Greetings to All of You, During this Jubilee Year of Hope
As they say in the Eastern Orthodox Church, “Christ is Risen! (Christos Anesti) with the response “Truly He is Risen!”...
Uptick in (New) Catholics coming into the Church this Easter!
What is going on in the Church? “Two-Thirds of Catholics Believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.” The title of...
From What Are You Fasting This Lent
Do you have a favorite Christmas hymn? I’m sure most people do. Now, do you have a favorite Lenten hymn? That may be a bit more...
Spiritual Treasure of the Church Flow From Pierced Side of Christ
Saint Bernadette Soubirous, the eldest of nine children, suffered greatly from extreme poverty and ill health. As a child, she...
Human Dignity is not Dependent on Citizenship or a Particular Country of Origin
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send...
PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY
We are Committed to Healing, Protection, and Accountability
PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY
We are Committed to Healing, Protection, and Accountability
Report Abuse, Misconduct, or Concern
Ensuring a Safe Environment
Safe Environment Resources
Additional resources, letters, other documents, forms, and links for diocesan personnel and parents/legal guardians.
Our Commitment as a Diocese
The Diocese of Springfield – Cape Girardeau is committed to the mission and ministry of protecting our children and young people. Through the Safe Environment program, our clergy, employees, teachers, and our volunteers who regularly work with children and youth have been trained to support this effort to provide a safe environment for our youth. We believe strongly in our moral obligation to keep the young safe and provide them with a caring environment in which they can grow and flourish in their faith.
Your Diocese at a Glance.
Founded in 1956, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is a diverse community that spans 25,719 sq. miles across all 39 counties of the lower third of southern Missouri. We actively serve over 65,000 people within our 6 deaneries, 66 parishes, 26 schools, and 17 missions.
Our Patron Saints are St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, The Lady of Mercy, and Pope St. Pius X, Pope of the Blessed Sacrament.
PARIsHES
MISSIONS
CHAPELS
Cathedrals
Cathedrals: 2
Parishes: 66
Missions: 17
Chapels: 5
CLICK TO ENLARGE
PARISHES
MISSIONS
CHAPELS
cathedrals
Founded in 1956, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is a diverse community that spans 25,719 sq. miles across all 39 counties of the lower third of southern Missouri. We actively serve over 65,000 people within our 6 deaneries, 66 parishes, 26 schools, and 17 missions.
Our Patron Saints are St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, The Lady of Mercy, and Pope St. Pius X, Pope of the Blessed Sacrament.